Photography of Flora

Submit a photograph of flora in the wild. This may be a photograph of a leaf, flower, mushroom, or a whole plant. Unlike a landscape photograph, which shows sweeping vistas, your photograph shows a detail of nature.

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Announced:

Thursday, 12th May, 2011 (GMT)

Submissions:

Thursday, 19th May, 2011 –
Wednesday, 25th May, 2011
(GMT)

Voting:

Thursday, 26th May, 2011 –
Wednesday, 1st June, 2011
(GMT)

Processing rules:

Minimal post-processing. The intent of this challenge is mainly straight photography of flora, and not a demonstration of digital manipulation.

Capture date rules:

No restrictions.

Additional rules:

Submit a photograph of a plant, leaf, flower, or mushroom.

Get close -- fill your frame with your subject.

Telephoto lenses might be useful, especially if they can focus closely.

Macro lenses are designed for photos such as these; unlike conventional lenses, these are designed to deliver exceptional sharpness while focused close.

Be very careful not to overexpose colorful objects in sunlight. Check all three histograms, and be sure that not even one of them is overexposed, causing loss of detail and shifts in color.

It can be exceptionally difficult to focus while up close. Use a tripod, and try to take your photo when the air is still.

Some authorities state that the best point for focus in these kind of pictures are the edges of the subject, clearly delineating your subject from the background.

Be sure to get enough of your subject in focus. Close down your aperture to f/16, f/22, or even narrower.